Several factors can be attributed to this higher tobacco-use prevalence. One stems from the mood-altering effects of nicotine, which may put people with mental illness at higher risk for addiction. Also, some mental health providers and facilities may focus solely on treating the mental illness of their patients, and not their tobacco use.

HELP THOSE WITH A MENTAL HEALTH DIAGNOSIS LEARN ABOUT QUITTING.

The Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline provides free resources for healthcare providers or healthcare systems seeking ways to help those with a mental health diagnosis quit tobacco. Find informational toolkits, downloadable materials you can distribute or display in your office, continuing education credit opportunities and more at the links below.

CESSATION SYSTEMS & HEALTHCARE SYSTEMS INITIATIVES

For even more aid for healthcare providers and systems, the Center for the Advancement of Wellness at the Oklahoma State Department of Health offers technical assistance in a variety of areas:

Environmental assessment, policy development and change implementation to communicate a tobacco-free vision.

Support for implementing a systems change approach to tobacco control. The process creates a tobacco-free environment for employees, patients and visitors while creating a structure for assessing and treating those with a mental health disorder for tobacco use.

Assistance in implementing a fax or EMR referral system for the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline.

Other technical assistance and training for tobacco cessation within the healthcare setting.